The Netherlands is an intriguing nation that draws lots of tourists all year long with its amazing windmills, vibrant tulip fields, and captivating canals. You could initially assume that this country is little based on your peek at the map. Don’t judge it solely by its size, though. When you actually enter the Netherlands and explore it, you will be blown away by its unique experiences and unforgettable sights. Whether it is the world-class museums, delicious food or breathtaking landscapes, you will find a variety of things to do in Netherlands. So, let’s look at 7 wonderful activities that you can do in this gem of a country!
Set out on an exciting adventure across Amsterdam’s famed canals. These historic canals are the city’s lifeblood, providing a unique glimpse into its gorgeous architecture and vibrant culture. Go on a comfy boat and cruise past attractive houseboats, exquisite mansions, and scenic bridges. You’ll see famous locations like the Anne Frank House and the Rijksmuseum from a whole new perspective.
As you cruise, learn amazing facts about Amsterdam’s rich history and evolution. Discover how the canal system, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, influenced the city’s development. A twilight sail with the bridges and buildings attractively illuminated is a truly magical experience. It’s a charming and lovely approach to witness the city’s nightlife.
Pro tip: Book a small-group tour for a more intimate experience, or opt for a hop-on-hop-off boat tour to explore at your own pace.
The Van Gogh Museum is a fascinating place that indulges visitors in the vibrant world of one of history’s most famous artists – Vincent Van Gogh. This world-renowned institution has the largest collection of Vincent van Gogh’s works, including the well-known “Sunflowers” and “The Potato Eaters.” Discover the evolution of Van Gogh’s distinct style and his tempestuous life as you browse the galleries.
Through multimedia tours and unique exhibits that go deeper into Van Gogh’s life and work, the museum offers an engaging experience. You’ll also find pieces by his contemporaries, which help to contextualize his art. It’s a must-see for art enthusiasts and curious minds alike.
Don’t miss: The museum’s “Feeling Van Gogh” experience, where you can touch 3D reproductions of his paintings, bringing his art to life in a whole new way.
Searching for a place where you can get a different perspective on the charming Netherlands? Then the first thing you should do is grab a bicycle.
An interesting thing that you will come across is that the Netherlands has over 22,000 miles or 35,000 kms of dedicated bike lanes and paths. This means, you can choose a variety of routes where you will come across incredible views and destinations.
Choose to go to the Dutch countryside where you get the opportunity to travel as a local. You can also travel across tulip fields, captivating windmills and charming villages!
Some of the popular bicycling routes that you shouldn’t miss out on are the Waterland region that is located in the north of Amsterdam. This place is best known for its amazing scenery and calm fishing communities.
However, if you want to go for a classic rural Dutch experience then the Green Heart is the perfect place. You will find this area between Amsterdam, Rotterdam, and Utrecht. Don’t worry about getting a bike as you will find plenty of bike rental businesses that offer guided and self-guided tours with maps!
Remember: In the Netherlands, cyclists have the right of way in most situations. Always follow traffic rules and use hand signals when turning.
Enter the Anne Frank House to explore a moving segment of history. The real house where Anne Frank and her family sought refuge during World War II from Nazi persecution is home to this museum. You will gain an eye-opening perspective into the life of individuals who took sanctuary here as you make your way up the steep stairs and through the cramped corridors.
The bookshelf that covered the entrance has been preserved in the concealing location to its original state by the museum. See Anne’s original diary along with other personal mementos that vividly illustrate her inspiring narrative. The event is incredibly poignant and serves as a sobering reminder of the atrocities of war and the value of tolerance.
Important note: Book your tickets well in advance as this popular museum often sells out weeks ahead.
Kinderdijk’s windmills are one of the most recognizable sights and attractions to view. This magnificent UNESCO World Heritage Site features 19 genuine windmills. These windmills are particularly noteworthy because they date from the 18th century.
When you first go to this place and learn about these windmills, you will understand that these were built to keep the low-lying land dry. It is one of the finest examples of Dutch water management of the earlier times!
You can either enjoy a leisurely stroll or go on a bicycle along the scenic paths that go around the windmills. When you actually see it, you will be amazed at how lovely they actually look!
Another wonderful thing that you will love is that you can enter some of the windmills. You may discover directly how millers and their families live and work. You’ll also learn about the Dutch’s clever reservoir, dyke, and pumping station system for keeping the area dry!
Fun fact: The name Kinderdijk means “Children’s Dike” and comes from a local legend about a cradle that was stranded on the dike during a flood.
Rotterdam is one of the most incredible places in the Netherlands that is best known for its cutting-edge architecture and a culture that is rich and vibrant.
You may not know this but this wonderful city rose from the ashes of World War II and quickly became a centre for creativity and innovation.
When you go to see Rotterdam, one of the first things that you can do is see the Markthal Landmark. This wonderful place is an architectural marvel that resembles the shape of a horse shoe and was once a 14th century village and a 10th century farm. Today, it serves a captivating residential and commercial space. You can check out its market hall and other attractions too!
You can also check out the Cube houses that are a group of tilted cubic dwellings. These were created by architect Piet Blom in the 1970s inspired by his previous experiments with cubic architecture.
When you go to see this place, you will realize that this entire collection of structures represents a village within a city. And each house is like a tree whereas the entire complex seems like a forest!
Cool experience: Take a water taxi ride in the busy harbor for a thrilling and unique way to see the city.
If a picturesque neighbourhood is what you are searching for in the Netherlands then you can’t go wrong with Zaanse Schans. You will find this amazing place near Zaandam. This incredible location is best known for its well-reserved historic windmills, wooden houses and traditional crafts.
One of the first things that you should do is visit its popular museums like the Zaans Museum, the Weavers House and the Cooperage. You can also go over to the Zaan river for stunning views.
Apart from this, you can see artisans working on creating cheese, clogs and other traditional products of the Netherlands!
Insider tip: Put on traditional Dutch costumes for a great photo opportunity and a sense of the local culture.
When you go to the Netherlands to see it, you will come across a wide range of experiences. These can include sailing on the beautiful canals of Amsterdam or checking out the quaint beaches of Zeeland. Apart from this, you can also visit the tulip meadows and explore it with your loved ones. If you’re craving for some delightful food, you can try out delicious dishes like Stroopwafels, Poffertjes, Oliebollen and many more. What then is holding you back? Just pack your luggage and schedule a Netherlands visa Appointment. Once you get your visa, you can easily travel to the Netherlands for a fun vacation with your friends or family!
What you hope to see will determine when is the best time to go. There’s nothing better than tulip viewing in the spring (April to May), summer (June to August) for outdoor activities in warm weather, autumn (September to November) for less crowds and gorgeous fall colors, and winter (December to March) for Christmas markets and the chance to ice skate on frozen canals.
No, you do not need to speak the Dutch language. Usually, you will find the locals speaking English around the country. But, you can still learn a few basic Dutch phrases to easily communicate with the locals.
If you are worried about cycling in the cities of the Netherlands, then fret not. This beautiful country has dedicated cycling lanes that span a whopping 22,000 miles. This means, you can travel to a variety of places on your bicycle. You can easily rent the bicycles a variety of rental service providers. Just make sure to obey the traffic laws while travelling on the bicycle.
The public transportation system in the Netherlands is first-rate. Major cities are swiftly and effectively connected by train. You can take buses, trams, and metros within cities. Another well-liked and effective mode of transportation is cycling, particularly for shorter distances.
Absolutely! Try Indonesian-influenced rijsttafel (a meal of many small dishes), erwtensoep (thick pea soup), kibbeling (battered and fried fish), and oliebollen (Dutch doughnuts traditionally eaten on New Year’s Eve). Don’t forget to taste some Dutch apple pie too!
